Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree (Step into Reading) - Softcover

Kohuth, Jane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0307975797 ISBN 13: 9780307975799

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013

Synopsis

Hidden away in their Secret Annex in Amsterdam during World War II, Anne Frank and her family could not breathe fresh air or see the blue sky for years. But through an attic window Anne could see the branches of a tall chestnut tree. This small glimpse of nature gave Anne hope and courage. It inspired her writing, which, in turn, inspired the whole world. Jane Kohuth explores Anne Frank's strong belief in the healing power of nature in this Step 3 leveled reader biography for newly independent readers ages 5–8.

About this title

About the Author

JANE KOHUTH has a degree in English and creative writing from Brandeis University as well as a master's degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. She is also the author of the Step into Reading title Ducks Go Vroom and the picture book Estie the Mensch.

ELIZABETH SAYLES's luminous art can be seen in over twenty children's books, including The Goldfish Yawned, a Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book; Millions of Snowflakes; and Billy Crystal's I Already Know I Love You, a New York Times #1 bestselling picture book.

Reviews

Gr 2-4–This beginning reader introduces Anne Frank as she admires the chestnut tree that stands outside the window of the Secret Annex. The next statement instantly catches readers' attention: “she had not been outside for 597 days.” Observing it helped her keep track of the passing seasons and calm her emotions. The changes wrought by the Holocaust are described in terms a child can understand: Anne cannot go swimming, is not allowed to go to movies, and must change schools. However, due to the book's controlled vocabulary, some concepts are oversimplified; for example, the term concentration camp is used but not defined, though “Anne's parents knew that when Jews were sent away, they were never heard from again.” Readers are told that “Anne did not survive the war. But her diary did.” They also learn that the chestnut tree no longer stands, but that seedlings from it have been planted all over the world. Like Anne, its legacy continues. The somber colors in Sayles's paintings contribute to the serious tone and historical feel of the story. Students in need of more more context can read Josephine Poole's Anne Frank (Knopf, 2005), which is at a higher reading level.–Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, ORα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0307975797
• ISBN 13: 9780307975799
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Sayles Elizabeth
• Number of pages: 48